John Lockes philosophy Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 250 words

John Lockes philosophy - Essay Example The migration of the Englishmen into the New World made it possible for them to introduce the philosophies of John Locke into America and the extent at which Locke’s philosophy influenced the ideologies behind the American Revolution shall be examined in this short paper. John Locke’s philosophy was primarily based on the sovereignty of the people and the responsibility of the individual in the society. It was based on this principle, that the Americans deemed it fit to defend their sovereignty as a nation and stage a revolution. Locke’s philosophy was based on upholding the right of the individual as his premise was based on the fact that sovereignty lies in the hands of the individuals rather than the state and it was on this basis that the citizens of America fought for what was rightfully theirs. Locke believed that every individual had the right to start a revolution if they feel they are been oppressed by their leaders. The Americans made use of Lockeâ€⠄¢s principle in the oppression that they faced at the hands of their British colonial masters (Axtell 98). John Locke’s ideas were also the bedrock of Thomas Jefferson’s Declaration of Independence. J